Brain Detox Wrap Up

So, I'm a little slow at posting, but I did finish the 21 day cycle...and I liked it well enough that I am onto Day 8 of the next cycle already.  Overall, I feel it is an excellent prayer time structure.  I was thinking this morning that it reminds me some of using the P.R.A.Y. acrostic.  It is simply a tool for focusing on connecting with our friend, the King!  I do love the Science aspect and feel there is much more there I could mine.  I have a terrible habit of multi-tasking--and probably not accomplishing all I could.  I will continue to use the process.  I'd love to hear if anyone else tried it.  Oh...and another take away, for whatever reason, this has prompted me to do more 'picture doodling' in my journals.  I am actually starting an entire free form journal with pics.  That is a fun addition to my prayer time.  Blessings to you!  Enjoy your journey with Jesus--and share it, won't you?

Brain Detox Days 11-15

Okay, my daily commitment to writing about the journey got lost in the week.   I did continue on with the process though and do feel it has merit.  It truly helps me take thoughts captive and focus.  I love multi-tasking…perhaps to the point of having trained my brain for distraction.  This has been a useful counter.  Let’s see if I can capture some of the week in a way that may be of use:

Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship  Thankful to be a child of the Key with continual access.  Laid my ‘need’ for an agenda at the altar.  Thanks for acceptance and laid down fear of rejection & condemnation.   Thanks for His creativity and variety—and quality of work (even me).  Laid down people pleasing. Thanks for His friendship and laid my planning desires at His feet. Thankful for the spirit (His and mine!) capacity, again laid down the spirit of rejection—not so much fear but awareness of allowing it to influence how I act!

Praise—Ladder to heaven.  Call to come.  Companionship of my friend.    Sat by His side and watched the activity of heaven J.  Wept at His feet.

Worship—Activity & accomplishments of God.  His love.  His generosity and goodness of gifts.  Confidence in His Wisdom, Power and Desire to Do Good.  Mercy.

. 

Gathering Thoughts  My gathering is typically a ‘to do’ list or concern for struggles of others…nothing of great insight here.  Day 15 was a general sense of unworthiness, ineptness & complexity of life.

Focused Reflection I am just a piece of the plan.  I don’t have to do it all nor do I have it all.  Breaking off unhealthy branches that tell me to do more than God tells me…unhealthy branches that judge me for failing to do things.  Criticism and condemnation often mask as good Christian words:  accountability & discernment.  Each must stand before judge—and I am not he.  Rejection is a wall builder that lies about being a protection.  It says it is safer to distance yourself from people than have them distance themselves from you.  Christ is the right refuge.

Journal  Nothing insightful here either…just little pics of what I’ve written..

Revisit/redesign Thoughts  Live wholly from the Spirit.  God alone has the answers to each problem; He will give me what He wants me to share.  Stay on task.  Alive in the moment for in Him I live and move and have my being!  He is my shelter, my mighty wall.

Active Reach – Little feet; “B”, small jug to remind me to be filled but remember God is filling other jugs too J  ‘belt’ ring:  I am not accepted by King; I am held by Him.

Around day 12, Leaf explained that the contrast between negative and healthy thoughts begins to become clearer.  Awareness is easier.

Brain Detox - Days 9 & 10

Very short today :).  Most of my notes are elsewhere, so we're relying on my memory.  May it inspire you to give it a try!

Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship  Thankful for ‘process’ and ‘journey’ vs. accomplishment.  My ‘lay at the altar’ conviction was pride on day 9.  Humble need is key to His presence.  And on Day 10, thankfulness for the tools God has given for this journey actually led to my ‘lay at the altar’ item.  Laying those tools at His feet and trust Him to give what I need at just the right time.

Praise—Beautiful time of gazing in the face of Jesus yesterday and just melting into His presence today.  Love this focus of enjoying His presence!    

Worship—The wisdom and love of God spoke volumes to me yesterday.  Today, His amazing creativity!  The designer of sunrises designs my life.  I surely cannot do better!

. 

Gathering Thoughts  Leaf is emphasizing focus on the dissolving branches of toxic thoughts these last few days.  Using the Mark 11:22-26 verses about casting mountains into the sea, she reminds that toxic thoughts are dissolving in a chemical soup!  WAHOO.  My tendency to be a fixer…or assuming responsibility to fix everything remains. 

Focused Reflection The Sabbath Rest is more graspable in light of yesterday’s “apple of His eye” reach.  How can I not rest in the love of the all-wise Father.  Today, I was again impressed with the need to let God set the pace and direction.  A child walking with their dad anticipates good and has to work hard to keep up with daddy.  I need to stop rushing off on my own; He will move me forward faster with submission.

Journal  Mountains…little feet..

Revisit/redesign Thoughts God allows only what will move me forward in the best way.  He allows that which will direct me to Him in deeper ways.

Active Reach – Little feet; “B”

Daily Disclaimer:  Welcome to my walk through Dr. Caroline Leaf’s 21-day Brain Detox.  This is a mini-glimpse (and filtered by my personal oddities) of her awesome research.  It is no where near a replacement for her program.  I hope you can enjoy the program personally. The program includes extensive explanations, videos and follow-up support.  I believe it is a good value for the $29.00.  The sign on site is here:  http://21daybraindetox.com/